Iona Gaels 2010 NCAA Men's Basketball Post Season

<?xml:namespace prefix = st1 />Iona Gaels

Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (21-10, 12-6)

Seed: #

Big Wins: 11/29 vs Creighton (63-55), 1/24 Fairfield (68-58), 2/19 William & Mary (69-53)

Bad Losses: 12/4 St. Peter’s (54-56), 1/4 at Canisius (65-77), 2/12 Manhattan (60-66)

Coach: Kevin Willard

Why They Can Surprise:

As quickly as Iona fell off the national radar following their 2006 NCAA appearance they have come back. This time Coach Kevin Willard is leading the way and what the Gaels do best is create turnovers and knock down three-pointers. Those are the two ways to score quick points and even when it looks like Iona is out of the game, they have the ability to create turnovers and knock down long balls and get right back in the game.

Just about everybody does their part when it comes to creating turnovers, but it is Kyle Smith who leads the way in the outside shooting department. Smith, a 6-4 wing, is prone to some freshman mistakes and inconsistencies, but he has done a superb job taking smart shots and is capable of putting up 20 points on any given night. Jermel Jenkins is a quality ballhandler and another quality outside shooter. Having him available off the bench is a big bonus for Iona. The same can be said for Jonathan Huffman. The 7-0 center is a surprisingly effective outside shooter for a player his size and he is nearly impossible for most opposing big men to defend. Rashon Dwight is not as effective of a shooter, but he is a starting guard who can knock down the long ball.

Why They Can Disappoint:

With a player like Jonathan Huffman hanging out on the perimeter, Iona will occasionally run into trouble on the glass. Huffman only averages 3.0 rebounds per contest. Thankfully the Gaels have Alejo Rodriguez. The 6-8 junior easily leads the team in rebounding and has developed into a decent interior scorer. Mike McFadden usually starts by his side, but the freshman lacks the strength to be a good rebounder. Rashard McGill, a 6-5 wing, is one of the more effective rebounders on the team and that is not good. The rest of the frontcourt has to get tougher on the glass and help out Rodriguez or Iona will lose out on all those extra possessions they create with steals by getting dominated on the glass.

Who To Watch:

Scott Machado is the leader of the Gaels in every possible way. He may only be a sophomore, but he leads the team in points, assists and steals. Machado learned on the job last season and has been getting progressively better. He is attacking the basket very effectively and will make some nice passes and play tough defense. However, the turnovers are a concern and Machado has to start playing like an upperclassman in the big games.

Probable Starters:

Scott Machado, Sophomore, Guard, 12.5 ppg, 3.9 apg

Rashon Dwight, Junior, Guard, 5.6 ppg, 1.9 apg

Kyle Smyth, Freshman, Guard, 8.1 ppg, 1.4 apg

Rashard McGill, Freshman, Guard, 3.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg

Alejo Rodriguez, Junior, Forward, 9.0 ppg, 7.5 rpg

Key Roleplayers:

Trinity Fields, Sophomore, Guard, 3.2 ppg, 1.0 apg

Jonathan Huffman, Senior, Center, 6.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg

Jermel Jenkins, Sophomore, Guard, 6.7 ppg, 2.8 apg

Mike McFadden, Freshman, Forward, 4.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg

Milan Prodanovic, Senior, Guard, 3.2 ppg, 1.1 rpg

By the Numbers:

Scoring Offense: 66.1 (241^st in nation, 6^th in conference)

Scoring Defense: 62.0 (41, 2)

Field-Goal Percentage: 42.0 (241, 5)

Field-Goal Defense: 39.9 (37, 3)

Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 7.3 (63, 2)

Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: 36.7 (67, 1)

Free-Throw Percentage: 68.1 (201, 6)

Rebound Margin: -2.3 (261, 6)

Assists Per Game: 13.6 (131, 3)

Turnovers Per Game: 13.5 (153, 6)

Joel’s Bracket Says: